New Library of Congress exhibit features rare draft of Declaration of Independence
Summary
The Library of Congress is showing a rare, early draft of the Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson that includes changes by Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. The exhibit also features important historical documents that reflect America's journey toward equality, including speeches and drafts from Abraham Lincoln, Susan B. Anthony, Martin Luther King Jr., and John Lewis.Key Facts
- The exhibit is called "The Declaration's Promise" and is at the Library of Congress.
- The draft on display was written by Thomas Jefferson and edited by Benjamin Franklin and John Adams.
- Key changes include replacing "subjects" with "citizens" to reflect breaking away from monarchy.
- The phrase "self-evident" was suggested by Franklin to replace "sacred and undeniable" rights.
- The phrase "all men are created equal" initially applied mainly to White men.
- The exhibit includes Abraham Lincoln’s draft of the Gettysburg Address, highlighting equality during the Civil War.
- It also features a Declaration of Rights read by Susan B. Anthony supporting women's right to vote.
- Speeches by Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis during the Civil Rights Movement are shown to highlight America’s ongoing struggle for equality.
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